Wild Blue Yonder

Feb. 3, 2020
Integrating Cyber Effects into the Joint Targeting Cycle

Using guidance presented in JP 3-0, JP 3-60 and CJCSI 3370.01C, cyber effects and targeting may be effectively presented for a combatant commander in the same format as “traditional” targets. With development of better “supported/supporting” command relationships between US Cyber Command and
Feb. 3, 2020
Future Technology and Nuclear Deterrence

The following discussion is speculative in nature given the future orientation of the topic. In many respects it is policy-prescriptive in its focus. This is because there is little possibility of a future in which nuclear deterrence will diminish in importance to international security. On the
Jan. 20, 2020
Operational Plan Orange: American Strategy in a Western Pacific War

While the likelihood of conflict between the United States and China is presently low, it cannot be completely excluded. The days of Western military superiority over China are ending, if not already over. China’s deployment of numerous ballistic missiles, modern aircraft, and cruise missiles amount
Jan. 20, 2020
Techno-Fetishism and Meta-Rhetoric: Assessing the Nature and Character of Past and Future Warfare

What will future war look like? Answering this question requires first reflecting on wars of the past. Warfare, from antiquity to present, has been defined by a constant nature and evolving character heavily influenced by the technology-theory interaction. Future war portends more of the same;
Jan. 20, 2020
Congratulations to the US Space Force

A congratulatory message to the US Space Force from Major General Mark C. Dillon, USAF, retired
Jan. 20, 2020
Building Partnership Capacity and Logistics

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency administers Building Partner Capacity programs funded with US appropriations and administered as cases within the foreign military sales (FMS) infrastructure. One of these programs enables the agency to provide logistics solutions to allied countries.
Jan. 20, 2020
Caught in the Crossfire: The Impact of US–China Trade Tensions on Taiwanese Direct Investment in Mainland China

As the world’s manufacturing center, mainland China imports large amounts of intermediate goods from its Asian neighbors, particularly Taiwan. As the key component supplier for mainland China, will Taiwan suffer from the increasing trade tensions between the United States and China? Since Taiwanese
Jan. 2, 2020
“It’s the People, Stupid!”: Step One of Fixing the DOD’s Software Challenges

The Department of Defense (DOD) is full of flawed software applications that create a frustrated workforce and result in countless hours wasted. In 2018, Congress was fed up and directed the Defense Innovation Board (DIB) to conduct a Software Acquisition and Practices Study to root out the problem.
Jan. 2, 2020
China and the Issue of the South China Sea

In this brief policy commentary, China’s “land reclamation efforts” and the historic origins of the international issue of this territorial dispute are discussed. Following an examination, various possible solutions are examined. Ultimately, a peer-level partnering with China may ultimately smooth
Jan. 2, 2020
Japan Reborn: Rearmament for Pacifism

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe seeks a bold and unprecedented constitutional amendment to expressly acknowledge Japan’s Self-Defense Forces (SDF) and their limits. But why? Abe’s proposal embodies one of the Japanese Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) central political platforms, yet according to